JP2017187845A - Traffic light information notification system, information apparatus, server and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a traffic light information notification system capable of appropriately supporting driving at an intersection with a traffic light established in accordance with a driving skill level of a driver, and to provide an information apparatus, a server and a program.SOLUTION: A traffic light detection part 12 detects a traffic light existing in a traveling direction of a vehicle. A traffic light information acquisition part 13 acquires transition information of a display state of the traffic light detected by the traffic light detection part 12. A driving skill determination part 14 determines a driving skill level of a driver of the vehicle. A notification content determination part 15 determines information obtained by adding the transition information of the display state of the traffic light to driving support information about the intersection with the traffic light established in accordance with the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a traffic signal information notification system, an information device, a server, and a program for notifying transition information of a display state of a traffic signal in a traveling direction of a vehicle.

When a vehicle passes an intersection with a traffic signal by a vehicle, it is helpful for the driver to know information related to the display state of the traffic signal in advance to perform optimal driving. For this reason, conventionally, a technique for notifying a driver of signal information transmitted from a control device of a signal device has been proposed.
For example, in the system described in Patent Literature 1, the traffic signal control device transmits the display state of the traffic signal and the remaining time information required until the next state change to the vehicle terminal device, and the vehicle terminal device transmits the traffic signal control device. The above information received from the driver is notified to the driver.

JP 2005-332234 A

  However, in the conventional system represented by Patent Document 1, only the traffic signal information such as the current display state of the traffic signal and the remaining time information required until the next state change is uniformly notified. Depending on the driving skill level, it may not be possible to drive properly at the intersection. For example, a driver with a high driving skill level can pass through an intersection appropriately based on the notified traffic signal information, but a driver with a low driving skill level can see how the same traffic signal information is reported. If you drive, you may not be able to determine whether you can pass the intersection properly. In such a case, there is a possibility that improper driving such as suddenly accelerating the vehicle or passing the intersection or suddenly stopping immediately before the intersection may be performed.

  This invention solves the said subject, and obtains the traffic signal information notification system, information apparatus, server, and program which can support appropriately the driving | running | working in the intersection where the traffic signal was installed according to the driving skill level of a driver | operator. With the goal.

  The traffic signal information notification system according to the present invention includes a traffic signal detection unit, a traffic signal information acquisition unit, a driving skill determination unit, and a notification content determination unit. The traffic signal detector detects a traffic signal in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The traffic signal information acquisition unit acquires the transition information of the display state of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit. The driving skill determination unit determines the driving skill level of the vehicle driver. The notification content determination unit determines, as notification information to the driver, information obtained by adding the display state transition information of the traffic light and the driving support information regarding the intersection where the traffic light is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver. .

  According to this invention, according to the driving skill level of the driver, the driving support information is added to the transition information of the display state of the traffic signal and notified. Thereby, the driving | operation in the intersection in which the traffic signal was installed according to a driver | operator's driving skill level can be supported appropriately.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information equipment which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration that implements the functions of the information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration for executing software that implements the functions of the information device according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a notification example when the driving skill level of the driver is high and the vehicle is traveling. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a notification example when the driving skill level of the driver is low and the vehicle is traveling. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a notification example when the driver's driving skill level is high and the vehicle is stopped. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a notification example when the driving skill level of the driver is low and the vehicle is stopped. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a notification example when the driving skill level of the driver is medium and the vehicle is traveling. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a notification example when the driver's driving skill level is medium and the vehicle is stopped. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the traffic signal information notification system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a case where the information device according to the present invention is embodied as a navigation device 1.
The navigation device 1 has a function of communicating with the traffic signal control device 2 in addition to a function of performing normal navigation processing such as route search, route guidance, and map display. Thereby, the navigation apparatus 1 can output to the output unit 3 the transition information (hereinafter, appropriately described as traffic signal information) of the display state of the traffic signal in the traveling direction of the vehicle received from the traffic signal control apparatus 2. Further, the navigation device 1 can determine the driving skill level of the driver based on the input information received by the input unit 4 or the driving history information read from the driving history storage unit 5.

  The traffic signal control device 2 is a device that controls display of a traffic signal, and transmits traffic signal information to the vehicle side using a roadside communication device or the like. For example, the navigation device 1 receives traffic signal information from the roadside communication device. The traffic signal control device 2 may return traffic signal information in response to a request from the navigation device 1.

The output unit 3 outputs the information input from the navigation device 1 and presents it to the driver.
For example, the output unit 3 is realized by a monitor provided in the navigation device 1, a head-up display mounted on a vehicle, a display panel provided on an instrument panel of the vehicle, and the like. In addition, the information input from the navigation device 1 may be presented audibly, and in this case, the output unit 3 is realized by a speaker included in the navigation device 1, a speaker mounted on a vehicle, or the like.
The input unit 4 receives input of information by a vehicle occupant such as a driver. For example, it can be realized by a touch panel, a hardware key, or the like. Further, input of information may be accepted by voice recognition.

The driving history storage unit 5 is a storage unit from which information can be read by the navigation device 1 and stores driving history information of the driver. The driving history information is information indicating driving operations performed in the past by the driver. For example, the driving history storage unit 5 acquires a steering wheel operation, a brake operation, an accelerator operation, and the like from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) included in the vehicle, and stores it as driving history information for each driver.
The driving history storage unit 5 may be constructed in a storage device included in the navigation device 1, but may be constructed in an external storage medium or external storage device from which information can be read by the navigation device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation device 1 includes a navigation processing unit 10, a vehicle information acquisition unit 11, a traffic light detection unit 12, a traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, a driving skill determination unit 14, and a notification content determination unit 15. Yes.
The navigation processing unit 10 performs navigation processing such as route search, route guidance, and map display based on position information input from a position detection unit (not shown) and map information input from a map database. Further, the navigation processing unit 10 outputs the vehicle position information and the map information around the vehicle to the traffic signal detection unit 12.
The vehicle information acquisition unit 11 acquires vehicle information indicating the running state of the vehicle and outputs the vehicle information to the traffic light detection unit 12. For example, the vehicle information acquisition unit 11 acquires vehicle speed information from the ECU and outputs the vehicle speed information to the traffic light detection unit 12.

The traffic signal detector 12 detects a traffic signal in the traveling direction of the vehicle. For example, when the information related to the installation point of the traffic light is included in the map information, the traffic light detection unit 12 determines the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the vehicle position information input from the navigation processing unit 10 and the map information around the vehicle. Detect traffic lights within a predetermined range of.
The traffic light detection unit 12 determines whether the vehicle has stopped based on the vehicle position information, the map information, and the vehicle speed information input from the vehicle information acquisition unit 11 input from the navigation processing unit 10. The expected arrival time for the vehicle to reach the installed intersection is determined.

  The traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 acquires the traffic signal information of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit 12. For example, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 receives the traffic signal information of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit 12 by communication connection to the traffic signal control device 2 according to the instruction of the traffic signal detection unit 12. Note that the traffic information display state transition information is information indicating the remaining time until the traffic light changes from the current display state to the next display state, for example.

The driving skill determination unit 14 determines the driving skill level of the driver of the vehicle.
For example, it is determined whether the driving skill level of the driver is one of a high level, a medium level, and a low level based on a result of comparing a determination reference value related to driving operation with a threshold value.
The high level corresponds to the first level in the present invention, the level lower than this level is the medium level, and corresponds to the second level in the present invention. Furthermore, a level lower than this level is a low level and corresponds to the third level in the present invention.
When determining the driving skill level based on the driving history information of the driver, the driving skill determination unit 14 obtains the driving history information of the driver stored for a certain period retroactively from the present from the driving history storage unit 5. By reading and referring to this driving history information, the frequency of sudden driving operations such as sudden start, sudden steering, sudden braking, and sudden acceleration is obtained. This frequency is a criterion value for driving skills. The driving skill determination unit 14 compares the frequency of the sudden driving operation with the upper limit threshold and the lower limit threshold lower than the upper threshold, and if the frequency of the sudden driving operation is equal to or higher than the upper limit threshold, It is determined that the frequency of operation is high, and it is determined that the driving skill level is low. When this frequency is lower than the lower limit threshold, it is determined that the frequency of sudden driving operations is low, and it is determined that the driving skill level is high. If this frequency is equal to or higher than the lower limit threshold and lower than the upper limit threshold, it is determined that the frequency is intermediate, and the driving skill level is determined to be the middle level.

When determining the driving skill level based on the driver's input information, the driving skill determination unit 14 displays the driving skill level selection screen on the output unit 3 and is selected by the driver using the input unit 4. The determined driving skill level is determined as the driving skill level of the driver.
For example, a numerical value indicating the driving skill level is displayed in 10 levels, and the numerical value indicating the level that the driver thinks is selected. This numerical value becomes a criterion value for driving skill. The driving skill determination unit 14 compares the numerical value input by the driver with the first threshold value and the second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value. When the numerical value is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the driving skill is determined. It is determined that the level is high. When the numerical value indicating the driving skill level is equal to or higher than the second threshold value and lower than the first threshold value, it is determined that the driving skill level is an intermediate level. Furthermore, when the numerical value indicating the driving skill level is lower than the second threshold, it is determined that the driving skill level is low.
Even in this way, the driving skill level of the driver can be accurately determined.
Note that the determination reference value related to the driving skill may be a numerical value that quantitatively indicates the driving skill of the driver, and may be a numerical value other than the above.

The notification content determination unit 15 determines information obtained by adding the transition information of the display state of the traffic light and the driving support information related to the intersection where the traffic light is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver. To do. For example, when the driver's driving skill level is high, only traffic signal information is determined as notification information. When the driver's driving skill level is low, information obtained by adding driving support information to traffic signal information is determined as notification information. The notification information determined by the notification content determination unit 15 is output by the output unit 3 and presented to the driver.
In this way, it is possible to appropriately support the driving at the intersection where the traffic light is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver.
Note that the driving support information is driving support information related to an intersection where a traffic signal in the traveling direction of the vehicle is installed, information that prompts a stop before entering the intersection, and a speed that can pass before the display state of the traffic signal changes Information.

In the example of FIG. 1, the case where the information device according to the first embodiment is the navigation device 1 is shown, but a device provided separately from the navigation device may be used.
That is, the information device according to the present invention is a device that receives information from the navigation processing unit 10 and the vehicle information acquisition unit 11, and includes a traffic signal detection unit 12, a traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, a driving skill determination unit 14, and a notification content determination unit. 15 may be provided.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration for executing software that implements the functions of the information device according to the first embodiment.
The functions of the traffic light detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15 in the information device according to the first embodiment are realized by a processing circuit.
That is, the information equipment includes a processing circuit for sequentially executing these functions.
The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware or may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) that reads and executes a program stored in the memory.

When the processing circuit is the dedicated hardware processing circuit 100 shown in FIG. 2A, the processing circuit 100 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated). Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.
In addition, the functions of each part of the traffic signal detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15 may be realized by a processing circuit, respectively, or the functions of each unit may be combined into one processing circuit. It may be realized with.

When the processing circuit is a CPU 101 as shown in FIG. 2B, the functions of the traffic light detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15 are software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. It is realized by. Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 102. The CPU 101 reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 102, thereby realizing the functions of each unit. That is, a memory 102 is provided for storing a program in which each function is executed as a result when executed by the CPU 101.
In addition, these programs cause the computer to execute the procedures or methods of the traffic signal detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15.

  Here, the memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Programmable EPROM), or a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, An optical disc, a compact disc, a mini disc, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a BD (Blu-ray; registered trademark), and the like are applicable.

In addition, about each function of the traffic signal detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15, a part is realized by dedicated hardware, and a part is realized by software or firmware. Also good.
For example, the traffic signal detection unit 12 realizes its function with a dedicated hardware processing circuit 100, and the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15 are stored in the memory 102 of the CPU 101. The function is realized by executing the program.
As described above, the processing circuit can realize the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Next, the operation will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information device according to the first embodiment, and shows a series of processes in which the navigation apparatus 1 notifies the signal information by adding driving support information according to the driving skill level of the driver. ing. Note that a user such as a driver may use the input unit 4 to select on / off of a function that executes this series of processing.
First, the traffic light detection unit 12 determines whether or not the vehicle has approached the intersection where the traffic signal is installed based on the vehicle position information input from the navigation processing unit 10 and the map information around the vehicle (step ST1). For example, the traffic light is detected from a predetermined range in the traveling direction of the host vehicle. At this time, if the own vehicle is not approaching an intersection with a traffic signal (step ST1; NO), the process returns to step ST1 to repeat this determination.

When the host vehicle approaches an intersection with a traffic signal (step ST1; YES), the traffic signal detection unit 12 instructs the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 to acquire the traffic signal information of the traffic signal approaching the host vehicle. The traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 acquires the traffic signal information of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit 12 from the traffic signal control device 2 in accordance with an instruction from the traffic signal detection unit 12 (step ST2).
In addition, the traffic signal detection unit 12 is based on the vehicle position information input from the navigation processing unit 10, the map information, and the vehicle speed information input from the vehicle information acquisition unit 11 at the intersection where the traffic signal of the detection result is installed. The expected arrival time for the host vehicle to reach is determined. Information indicating the estimated arrival time is sequentially input from the traffic signal detection unit 12 to the notification content determination unit 15.

Subsequently, the driving skill determination unit 14 determines the driving skill level of the driver (step ST3). For example, the driving skill determination unit 14 determines the driving skill level of the driver based on the driving history information of the driver. The driving history information used at this time may include the latest driving operation until it is determined that the vehicle has approached an intersection with a traffic light.
Driving operations may be affected by the driver's emotional state, etc. Even if a driver has been driving with a high driving skill level in the past, he / she is currently driving with a low driving skill level. There may be. Therefore, by determining the driving history information including the most recent driving operation until it is determined that the vehicle has approached an intersection with a traffic light, the real-time driving skill level of the driver can be accurately determined.
The determination of the driving skill level may be performed separately from the series of processes shown in FIG.

  The notification content determination unit 15 determines whether the vehicle is an intersection based on the driving skill level of the driver input from the driving skill determination unit 14, information indicating the expected arrival time, and the remaining time until the next display state is changed. It is determined whether it is necessary to stop in front (step ST4).

For example, when the remaining time until the next display state is changed is less than the expected arrival time at the intersection, it is determined that it is necessary to stop before the intersection regardless of the driving skill level of the driver.
Further, if the remaining time until the next display state is longer than the expected arrival time, it is determined that it is not necessary to stop before the intersection if the driver's driving skill level is high or medium level. . However, when the driver's driving skill level is low, there is a high possibility that a sudden driving operation is performed until the intersection is reached or after the intersection is reached. Therefore, it is determined that it is necessary to stop before the intersection.

When it is not necessary for the vehicle to stop before the intersection (step ST4; NO), the notification content determination unit 15 responds to the driving skill level of the driver with respect to the remaining time until the next display state in the traffic light changes. Information to which appropriate driving is added is output to the output unit 3.
The output unit 3 notifies the driver of the notification information input from the notification content determination unit 15 by display or voice (step ST5). Thereafter, the process returns to step ST1.

  For example, when the driver's driving skill level is high, the notification content determination unit 15 determines only the remaining time until changing to the next display state as notification information. At this time, the output unit 3 displays a screen 3A as shown in FIG. 4A. The screen 3A includes a navigation screen 3a and a notification screen 3b. Here, the vehicle is traveling toward the intersection, and a route passing through the intersection is displayed on the map on the navigation screen 3a. The notification screen 3b displays that the time until the traffic light display state changes to yellow is 7 seconds. Note that a notification such as “7 seconds until the front traffic light turns yellow” may be used.

If the driver has a high driving skill level, he / she can pass through the intersection appropriately without receiving driving assistance. When notifying driving assistance information to such a driver, the driver may feel annoying the notification of driving assistance information, or may misunderstand that the current driving operation is not appropriate.
Therefore, when the driver's driving skill level is high, in step ST5, only the remaining time until changing to the next display state, which is the minimum information as a reference for passing through the intersection or stopping before the intersection, is obtained. Notice.

When the vehicle needs to stop before the intersection (step ST4; YES), the notification content determination unit 15 prompts the stop according to the remaining time until the next display state is changed and the driving skill level of the driver. The information added with the information is output to the output unit 3 as notification information.
The output unit 3 notifies the driver of the notification information input from the notification content determination unit 15 by display or voice (step ST6).

  For example, when the driver's driving skill level is low, the notification content determination unit 15 determines the remaining time until the next display state is changed and information that prompts the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection as notification information. To do. At this time, the output unit 3 displays a screen 3A as shown in FIG. 4B. In FIG. 4B, the screen 3A includes a navigation screen 3a and a notification screen 3c. Here, the vehicle is traveling toward the intersection, and a route passing through the intersection is displayed on the map on the navigation screen 3a.

On the notification screen 3c, in addition to the time until the traffic light display state changes to yellow being 7 seconds, information for instructing to confirm the safety of the surroundings and preparing to stop is also displayed.
In addition, it may be notified with a voice such as “7 seconds until the traffic light in front of the vehicle turns yellow. Check the safety of the surroundings and prepare for stopping.”

A driver with a low driving skill level is likely to perform a sudden driving operation such as sudden acceleration or sudden start without receiving driving support information regarding an intersection.
Therefore, when the driver's driving skill level is low, in addition to the remaining time until the next display state is changed, driving assistance information that prompts the user to stop without overdoing is notified. Thereby, the driver can stop appropriately in front of the intersection without performing a sudden driving operation.

If the driver has a high driving skill level, he / she can stop appropriately before entering the intersection at his / her own judgment without receiving driving assistance.
Therefore, when the driver's driving skill level is high, in step ST6, only the remaining time until changing to the next display state, which is the minimum information serving as a reference for passing the intersection or stopping before the intersection, is obtained. Notice.

  After the notification information determined in step ST6 is notified, the traffic light detection unit 12 determines whether or not the own vehicle has stopped based on the vehicle information input from the vehicle information acquisition unit 11 (step ST7). If the host vehicle is not stopped (step ST7; NO), the process returns to step ST6, and notification information including the remaining time until the next display state is changed and information prompting the stop before the intersection is notified. Keep doing.

On the other hand, when the host vehicle stops (step ST7; YES), the traffic signal detection unit 12 determines that the host vehicle has reached the intersection and has stopped, and acquires the traffic signal information of the traffic signal installed at the intersection. The signal information acquisition unit 13 is instructed.
The traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 acquires the traffic signal information of the traffic signal installed at the intersection where the host vehicle stops from the traffic signal control device 2 in accordance with the instruction from the traffic signal detection unit 12 (step ST8).

Next, the notification content determination unit 15 outputs, as notification information, information obtained by adding the remaining time until the next display state of the traffic light changes to information that prompts departure according to the driving skill level of the driver. Output to part 3.
The output unit 3 notifies the driver of the notification information input from the notification content determination unit 15 by display or voice (step ST9). Thereafter, the process returns to step ST1.

  For example, when the driver's driving skill level is high, the notification content determination unit 15 determines only the remaining time until changing to the next display state as notification information. At this time, the output unit 3 displays a screen 3A as shown in FIG. 5A. The screen 3A includes a navigation screen 3d and a notification screen 3e. Here, the vehicle is stopped in front of the intersection, and a route passing through the intersection is displayed on the map on the navigation screen 3d. The notification screen 3e displays that the time until the display state of the traffic light changes to blue is 5 seconds. In addition, you may notify with audio | voices, such as "It is five seconds until the traffic signal ahead turns into blue."

In addition, when the driver's driving skill level is low, the notification content determination unit 15 determines, as notification information, the remaining time until the next display state on the traffic light changes and information that prompts departure. At this time, the output unit 3 displays a screen 3A as shown in FIG. 5B.
In FIG. 5B, the screen 3A includes a navigation screen 3d and a notification screen 3f. Here, the vehicle is stopped in front of the intersection, and a route passing through the intersection is displayed on the map on the navigation screen 3d.

On the notification screen 3f, in addition to the time until the display state of the traffic light changes to blue being 5 seconds, information for instructing to check the surrounding safety and prepare for departure is also displayed.
In addition, it may be notified by a voice such as “5 seconds until the traffic light ahead turns blue. Check the safety of the surroundings and prepare for departure”.

In step ST5, when the driver's driving skill level is a medium level, the notification content determination unit 15 determines, as notification information, information that prompts appropriate driving in addition to the remaining time until the driver changes to the next display state. To do. At this time, the output unit 3 displays a screen 3A as shown in FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6A, the screen 3A includes a navigation screen 3a and a notification screen 3g.
Here, the vehicle is traveling toward the intersection, and a route passing through the intersection is displayed on the map on the navigation screen 3a.

On the notification screen 3g, in addition to the time until the display state of the traffic light changes to yellow being 7 seconds, information instructing to travel at a speed of 40 km or more is also displayed. This speed indicates the vehicle speed that can be passed before the display state of the traffic light changes.
In addition, it may be notified by voice such as “7 seconds until the traffic light ahead turns yellow. Please drive at a speed of 40 km / h or more”.

  In step ST9, when the driver's driving skill level is medium, the notification content determination unit 15 determines, as notification information, the remaining time until the next display state of the traffic light changes and information that prompts departure. To do. At this time, the output unit 3 displays a screen 3A as shown in FIG. 6B. In FIG. 6B, the screen 3A includes a navigation screen 3d and a notification screen 3h. Here, the vehicle is stopped in front of the intersection, and a route passing through the intersection is displayed on the map on the navigation screen 3d.

On the notification screen 3h, in addition to the time until the display state of the traffic light changes to blue being 5 seconds, information instructing to prepare for departure is also displayed. If the driver has a medium driving skill level, he / she can leave the vehicle after confirming the safety of the surroundings without receiving driving assistance. For this reason, unlike the case where the driving skill level is low, the notification information when the driving skill level is the medium level does not include information for instructing confirmation of surrounding safety.
In addition, it may be notified by a voice such as “5 seconds until the traffic light in front changes to blue. Please prepare for departure”.

In the description so far, the case where the traffic light is a normal traffic light whose color changes to red, blue, and yellow has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an arrow signal.
For example, when the driver's driving skill level is high, the notification content determination unit 15 determines only the remaining time until the lighting of the arrow signal is turned off as the notification information. When the driving skill level is low, information including driving support information that prompts the vehicle to stop is determined as notification information for the remaining time until the lighting of the arrow signal is extinguished.
The output unit 3 presents notification information in conjunction with the direction indicator.

  The present invention can also be applied to a time difference type traffic signal. For example, when the traffic signal is a time difference signal, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 acquires the traffic signal information on the facing side of the intersection where the traffic signal is installed. At this time, the notification content determination unit 15 determines information including the transition information of the display state of the traffic light on the facing side as notification information.

When the driving skill level of the driver is high, the notification content determination unit 15 determines only the remaining time until the display state of the traffic signal on the facing side changes as notification information.
For example, the output unit 3 notifies or informs the user of a content such as “a time difference type signal. More seconds until the traffic light on the facing side changes to red.”
When the driving skill level is low, the remaining time until the display state of the traffic light on the facing side changes and the driving support information that prompts the vehicle to stop are determined as notification information.
For example, the output unit 3 displays or voices a message such as “Time-difference signal. It is ○ second until the traffic light on the opposite side turns red. Check the safety of the surroundings and prepare for stopping.” .

  Furthermore, the notification content determination unit 15 may change the notification timing according to weather information around the vehicle. For example, the driving skill determination unit 14 acquires weather information around the vehicle and outputs the weather information to the notification content determination unit 15. If the area around the vehicle is rain, snow, etc., the distance required for stopping will be longer. Therefore, the notification content determination unit 15 makes the timing for outputting the notification information including the information prompting the stop earlier than in the case of clear weather or cloudy weather. Thereby, the output unit 3 can present notification information to the driver at an appropriate timing according to the weather around the vehicle.

So far, the navigation device 1 has been shown to include the traffic signal detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15, but these components are portable terminals other than the navigation device, A server may be provided.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the traffic signal information notification system according to the first embodiment.
In the traffic signal information notification system shown in FIG. 7, the information device 16 notifies the driver of traffic signal information in cooperation with the server 17. The information device 16 is a device including the communication unit 16a, and is realized by, for example, an audio device with a display having a communication function.

A navigation device provided separately from the information device 16 includes a navigation processing unit 10 and a vehicle information acquisition unit 11.
The server 17 is a vehicle external device capable of communicating with the information device 16 and includes a traffic light detection unit 12, a traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, a driving skill determination unit 14, a notification content determination unit 15, and a communication unit 17a.

  The communication unit 16a of the information device 16 receives the position information of the host vehicle input from the navigation processing unit 10, the map information, the vehicle speed information input from the vehicle information acquisition unit 11, and the driver input information or driving history information. To the server 17. The traffic signal detector 12 of the server 17 detects a traffic signal in the traveling direction of the vehicle based on the position information of the host vehicle and the map information around the vehicle. The traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 communicates with the traffic signal controller 2 that controls the traffic signal of the detection result, and acquires the traffic signal information of the traffic signal.

On the other hand, the driving skill determination unit 14 of the server 17 determines the driving skill level of the driver based on the driver input information or the driving history information received by the communication unit 17a.
Thereafter, the notification content determination unit 15 of the server 17 notifies the vehicle driver of information obtained by adding the traffic signal information and the driving support information related to the intersection where the traffic signal is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver. Determine as information.
The communication unit 17 a transmits the notification information determined by the notification content determination unit 15 to the information device 16. The communication unit 16a of the information device 16 receives the notification information from the server 17, and the output unit 3 presents it to the driver.

  In addition, although the server 17 showed the case where the traffic signal detection part 12, the traffic signal information acquisition part 13, the driving skill determination part 14, the notification content determination part 15, and the communication part 17a were shown, these components are provided with a portable terminal. It may be. In this case, the mobile terminal functions in the same manner as the server 17, and the information device 16 notifies the driver of the traffic signal information in cooperation with the mobile terminal. Here, the portable terminal is a terminal that can be brought into the vehicle by a passenger of the vehicle, and is realized by, for example, a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer).

Moreover, although the case where the server 17 and the portable terminal are all provided with the traffic signal detection unit 12, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15 is shown, these components are included in the information device 16 The server 17 and the mobile terminal may be provided in a distributed manner.
For example, the information device 16 may include the traffic signal detection unit 12, and the server 17 may include the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13, the driving skill determination unit 14, and the notification content determination unit 15.
That is, as long as the devices are capable of operating in cooperation with each other, the above components may be provided in any device.

As described above, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the traffic light detection unit 12 detects a traffic light in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 acquires transition information of the display state of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit 12. The driving skill determination unit 14 determines the driving skill level of the driver of the vehicle. The notification content determination unit 15 determines information obtained by adding the transition information of the display state of the traffic light and the driving support information related to the intersection where the traffic light is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver. To do.
In this way, driving at the intersection where the traffic light is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver by adding driving support information to the transition information of the display state of the traffic signal according to the driving skill level of the driver and notifying it. Can support appropriately.

  In the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the driving skill determination unit 14 determines the driving skill level based on the driving history information of the driver. By comprising in this way, a driver | operator's driving skill level can be determined exactly.

  Furthermore, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the driving skill determination unit 14 determines the driving skill level based on the input information of the driver. Even in this way, the driving skill level of the driver can be accurately determined.

  Furthermore, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the notification content determination unit 15 determines only the display state transition information of the traffic light as the notification information when the driving skill level of the driver is high. Further, when the driving skill level of the driver is lower than the high level, information obtained by adding driving support information to the transition information of the display state of the traffic light is determined as the notification information. By comprising in this way, the driving | running | working in an intersection can be supported appropriately according to a driver | operator's driving skill level.

Furthermore, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, when the traffic signal is a time difference signal, the traffic signal information acquisition unit 13 is a transition information of the display state of the traffic signal on the opposite side of the intersection where the traffic signal is installed. To get. The notification content determination unit 15 determines information including the transition information of the display state of the traffic light on the facing side as notification information.
By comprising in this way, according to a driver | operator's driving skill level, the driving | running | working in a time difference type signal apparatus can be supported appropriately.

  Furthermore, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the notification content determination unit 15 adds information that prompts the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection as driving support information when the driving skill level of the driver is low. With such a configuration, it is possible to promptly stop the vehicle so that sudden driving operation is not performed.

  Furthermore, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the notification content determination unit 15 is a vehicle that can pass before the display state of the traffic light changes as driving support information when the driving skill level of the driver is a medium level. Add speed information. By comprising in this way, the driving assistance which passes an intersection appropriately can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the navigation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the notification content determination unit 15 changes the notification timing according to the weather information around the vehicle. By configuring in this way, notification information can be presented to the driver at an appropriate timing according to the weather around the vehicle.

  In the present invention, any component of the embodiment can be modified or any component of the embodiment can be omitted within the scope of the invention.

  1 navigation device, 2 traffic light control device, 3 output unit, 3A screen, 3a, 3d navigation screen, 3b, 3c, 3e-3h notification screen, 4 input unit, 5 driving history storage unit, 10 navigation processing unit, 11 vehicle information Acquisition unit, 12 traffic light detection unit, 13 traffic signal information acquisition unit, 14 driving skill determination unit, 15 notification content determination unit, 16 information device, 17 server, 16a, 17a communication unit, 100 processing circuit, 101 CPU, 102 memory.

Claims (11)

A traffic light detector for detecting a traffic light in the traveling direction of the vehicle;
A traffic signal information acquisition unit that acquires transition information of a display state of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit;
A driving skill determination unit for determining the driving skill level of the driver of the vehicle;
A notification content determination unit that determines information including transition information of the display state of the traffic signal and driving support information regarding an intersection where the traffic signal is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver. And a traffic signal information notification system.   The traffic signal information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the driving skill determination unit determines a driving skill level based on driving history information of the driver.   The traffic light information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the driving skill determination unit determines a driving skill level based on driver input information. The driving skill determination unit is configured such that the driver's driving skill level is a first level, a second level lower than the first level, and Determine which of the third levels is lower than the second level;
When the driver's driving skill level is the first level, the notification content determination unit determines only the transition information of the display state of the traffic light as the notification information, and the driver's driving skill level is the second level. The information obtained by adding the driving support information to the transition information of the display state of the traffic light is determined as the notification information when the level is the third level or the third level. The traffic signal information notification system according to any one of the above. When the traffic signal is a time difference signal, the traffic signal information acquisition unit acquires the transition information of the display state of the traffic signal on the opposite side of the intersection where the traffic signal is installed,
The said notification content determination part determines the information which added the transition information of the display state of the traffic signal in the said facing side as notification information, The any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Traffic signal information notification system.   The said notification content determination part adds the information which urges | stops a stop, before approaching the said intersection as said driving assistance information, when a driver | operator's driving skill level is the said 3rd level. Traffic signal information notification system.   When the driving skill level of the driver is the second level, the notification content determination unit adds information indicating the vehicle speed that can be passed before the display state of the traffic light changes as the driving support information. The traffic signal information notification system according to claim 4, wherein:   The traffic light information notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification content determination unit changes a notification timing according to weather information around the vehicle. Mounted or brought into the vehicle,
A traffic light detector for detecting a traffic light in the traveling direction of the vehicle;
A traffic signal information acquisition unit that acquires transition information of a display state of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit;
A driving skill determination unit for determining the driving skill level of the driver of the vehicle;
A notification content determination unit that determines information including transition information of the display state of the traffic signal and driving support information regarding an intersection where the traffic signal is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver. Information equipment characterized by comprising A traffic light detector for detecting a traffic light in the traveling direction of the vehicle;
A traffic signal information acquisition unit that acquires transition information of a display state of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit;
A driving skill determination unit for determining the driving skill level of the driver of the vehicle;
Notification of determining information indicating transition information of the display state of the traffic light and driving support information related to the intersection where the traffic light is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver of the vehicle A content determination unit;
A server comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an information device mounted on or brought into the vehicle and that transmits notification information determined by the notification content determination unit. A traffic light detector for detecting a traffic light in the traveling direction of the vehicle,
A traffic signal information acquisition unit for acquiring transition information of a display state of the traffic signal detected by the traffic signal detection unit;
A driving skill determination unit for determining a driving skill level of the driver of the vehicle;
A notification content determination unit that determines information including transition information of the display state of the traffic signal and driving support information regarding an intersection where the traffic signal is installed according to the driving skill level of the driver as notification information to the driver. As a program to make the computer function as.

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